When I say “wines of South Australia“, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Probably Shiraz, right? From legendary old-vine versions that garnish media accolades to mega-brands, it’s hard not to equate South Australia (and all of Australia, for that matter) with Shiraz. But Australia is a huge country, and even within the region of South Australia there is a ton of diversity when it comes not just to Shiraz, but with a whole host of grapes. Who better to explain this on the latest episode of my Wine Without Worry podcast than Jason Miller, General Manager of Rich & Lingering, providers of food and wine tours throughout South Australia.
I actually had the pleasure of being on one of these tours when my mother and I visited Australia a few years back and I cannot recommend Jason more highly. He ably knocked down all my preconceived notions about South Australian wine with a smartly planned day of winery visits. Oliver’s Taranaga was a particular highlight; who knew there was Fiano and Sagrantino, two grapes you don’t see outside of Italy, thriving in the McClaren Vale wine region of South Australia?
This is where you sip your McLaren Vale Colombard.
And if you think South Australian wine is nothing but muscular reds, check out Primo Estate and their La Biondina, a light and lively white made from Colombard. Astonishingly, this wine is in its 32nd vintage. They also have an ultra-modern, and ultra-cool, tasting room, pictured above.
This is not a Shiraz. Beautifully aged South Australian Cabernet.
So join me and Jason as we discuss what makes South Australia unique when it comes to wine, how he moved from the world of banking and finance to the world of grapes and vineyards, a few other must-visit wineries, the joys of aged Australian Riesling, eating kangaroo, and my (hopeful/greatly wished) appointment to head up a Rich & Lingering Tasmania bureau.
Top photo of Jim Barry Wines Armagh Shiraz vineyard in the Clare Valley courtesy Mark Smith. Tasting room photo from Primo Estate’s website.
